Last Updated: June 2025
TL;DR
Ransomware attacks hit 7,419 organizations worldwide in 2025 — a 32% jump from 2024 — and weak passwords like "123456" remain the most common entry point. Protect yourself by keeping software updated, avoiding apps downloaded outside official stores, and using long, unique passwords managed with a password manager. If you’re newly connected to the internet through a low-cost program, these steps are especially critical — cybercriminals don’t discriminate by income.
Table of Contents
- Why are cyber attacks getting worse?
- How do software updates protect me from hackers?
- Are third-party apps really that dangerous?
- What makes a strong password in 2025?
- Why does cybersecurity matter for digital equity?
- FAQ
Why are cyber attacks getting worse?
Because they work — and they’re getting more profitable. According to Comparitech, 7,419 ransomware attacks were recorded worldwide in 2025, a 32% increase over the 5,631 attacks logged in 2024. An estimated 4,000 ransomware attacks now occur globally every day.
These aren’t just hitting corporations. Ransomware infects everyday computers, locks people out of their own files, and forces a brutal choice: pay a fee or lose your data permanently. The attacks exploit outdated software, weak passwords, and sketchy app downloads — vulnerabilities that are entirely preventable.
For working families who just got their first computer or connected to the internet for the first time, a single cyber attack can destroy trust in the technology that’s supposed to open doors. Digital inclusion without digital safety isn’t real inclusion.
How do software updates protect me from hackers?
They patch the exact security holes hackers exploit. Every time your operating system or security software releases an update, it’s plugging a vulnerability that attackers already know about.
Set your device to update automatically — whether that’s weekly or monthly. These updates cover your operating system, security tools, browsers, and even printer software. Hackers specifically target outdated systems because they’re the easiest way in.
Skipping updates is like leaving your front door unlocked. It costs you nothing to stay current, but ignoring those notifications can cost you everything on your hard drive.
Are third-party apps really that dangerous?
Yes — apps downloaded outside the App Store or Google Play Store skip the security screening that catches malware. As Wired has reported, "once downloaded, these apps may even seem normal (if a little junky) but they can spread ransomware or types of malware that exploit system vulnerabilities to steal data or take over a whole device."
Some of these apps promise features not available in official stores. That’s the con. The "bonus features" are a trojan horse for ransomware, spyware, or data theft.
Stick to official app stores on both your computer and smartphone. If a deal sounds too good to be true — a free version of expensive software, a "premium" app with no price tag — it’s almost certainly a trap designed to exploit people who can’t afford the real thing.
What makes a strong password in 2025?
Length beats complexity. According to the 2025 NIST password guidelines, passwords should be at least 15 characters long — and the old advice about forcing special characters and frequent password changes is officially outdated. NIST now recommends against routine password expiration, because forcing people to change passwords every few months leads to weaker choices, not stronger ones.
Here’s what hasn’t changed: "123456" is still the most common password in the world in 2025, according to analyses from NordPass and Comparitech. "Password" still cracks the top 10. These aren’t just bad habits — they’re open invitations.
What to do instead:
- Use a passphrase of 15+ characters — a string of random words is both memorable and extremely hard to crack
- Never reuse the same password across multiple sites
- Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for every account
- Never base passwords on birthdays, street numbers, or family names — this information is easier to find than you think
Why does cybersecurity matter for digital equity?
Because the people most harmed by cyber attacks are often the people with the fewest resources to recover. When a working family’s first laptop gets hit with ransomware, they can’t just buy another one. When a single parent loses access to their email, they may lose access to job applications, school communications, and healthcare portals.
Digital equity isn’t just about getting people online. It’s about making sure they can stay online safely. At Human-I-T, we provide refurbished devices with updated operating systems, digital training that includes cybersecurity basics, and ongoing tech support — because handing someone a computer without the knowledge to protect it isn’t closing the digital divide. It’s setting a trap.
FAQ
How often should I change my password?
Only when you have reason to believe it’s been compromised. The 2025 NIST guidelines recommend against routine password expiration. Instead, focus on making each password long (15+ characters), unique, and stored in a password manager.
What should I do if my computer gets infected with ransomware?
Disconnect from the internet immediately to prevent the attack from spreading. Do not pay the ransom — there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back. Contact a cybersecurity professional or your local tech support resource. If you received your device through Human-I-T, reach out to our tech support team for guidance.
Are free antivirus programs safe to use?
Reputable free antivirus programs from well-known companies downloaded through official channels can provide basic protection. The danger is downloading "free security software" from unknown websites — that’s a common malware delivery method. When in doubt, stick to the security tools built into your operating system.
How can I get a secure, affordable device?
Human-I-T provides refurbished laptops and tablets with updated operating systems and security patches already installed — at a fraction of retail cost. Every device comes with the foundation you need to stay safe online. Check your eligibility and get connected today.
What’s the easiest step I can take right now to protect myself?
Turn on automatic updates. It takes less than a minute, costs nothing, and blocks the most common attack vector cybercriminals use. After that, check whether your passwords appear on any common password lists — if they do, change them immediately.
Make a monetary or technology donation to help working families get connected safely — with devices, internet, digital training, and the tech support to stay protected. Donate today.
